'Do you believe in free speech or not?': CNN anchor clashes with GOP panelists over Kimmel

CNN anchor Abby Phillip clashed with her GOP colleagues on Wednesday over the decision to suspend "Jimmy Kimmel Live" on network television.

Phillip discussed the move with former Republican Governor of Wisconsin Scott Walker and GOP strategist Scott Jennings. It occurred just hours after Nexstar Media Group, which owns several local ABC affiliates, announced that it is suspending Kimmel's show "indefinitely" because of comments the comedian made about conservative activist Charlie Kirk's slaying.

Phillip questioned the timeline of Kimmel's suspension and the involvement of FCC chairman Brendan Carr in the deal. On Tuesday, Carr gave a threatening interview with MAGA podcaster Benny Johnson, where he claimed that the FCC would be taking active measures to ensure broadcast companies abide by the public interest standard.

Within 24 hours, Kimmel was pulled off the air, Phillip noted.

"Nexstar has a very clear financial interest in not getting on the wrong side of that guy," Phillip said to Walker, talking about Carr. "You don't see the problem with that?"

Both Walker and Jennings argued that Nexstar was making a "business decision" by taking Kimmel off the air.

"Do you believe in free speech or not?" Phillip asked pointedly.

"I do, but you can't expect us to sit with our hands tied behind our backs," Walker said.